Levels of knowledge and beliefs regarding osteoporosis: Preliminary results of a survey among Moroccan women living in Casablanca

Objectives: To get closer to the beliefs and knowledge of Moroccan women over 18 years old living in Casablanca. Methods and patients: The survey was conducted among a population aged 18 and over. An in-depth questionnaire was carried out with the aim of distinguishing gaps in knowledge but also popular beliefs limiting good understanding. Results: 322 participants were included, aged from 19 to 86 years.96% of participants were familiar with the term osteoporosis without any correlation with age, level of education or place of residence. The primary source of information was family and neighborhood in 59%.57% considered the therapeutic arsenal expensive and was no way correlated with monthly income. 90% mentioned the preponderant role of calcium and vitamin intake in preserving bone health. Vitamin D deficiency, rheumatic and endocrine history represented the popular beliefs most implicated in the occurrence of osteoporosis in 90%,86%,78%respectively. The major impact of osteoporosis represented by the risk of fracture and the disability caused were part of the achievements in 97% and 95% respectively. Conclusion: The general knowledge of the Casablanca female population was high compared to numerous studies carried out in the same context.